Hampton Roads, VA Sailing

I will be spending a little time in Norfolk, VA pretty soon and will be looking for a good place to trailer launch and sail an H16. Any locals on the forum with any good beta? I am still in the learning process so I don't think I'm ready for the ocean yet.

Thanks,
Matt

Matt,

Hobie Fleet 32 is that area's fleet. You can reach them at www.hobiefleet32.org

When I'm in the area, I usually sail near Lynnhaven Inlet. There are several beach access ramps but you'll need beachwheels because vehicles are prohibited on the beach. Do NOT try trailer launching at Lynnhaven Inlet unless you can manage a tow under the bridge. The currents are wicked at the underpass.

Kris
Nacra 6.0NA

Is that the same as Lynnhaven Bay? I found that on the map.

don't be afraid of sailing in the ocean. Just don't go to far out

Yes. Lynnhaven Inlet is point between Lynnhaven Bay and the Chesapeake Bay. Always sailed on the Chesapeake side of the inlet. Lynnhaven Bay seems small, shallow, and subject to fluky winds.

There are beach access ramps (beach wheels only) to the Chesapeake on both sides of Lynnhaven Inlet.

As I said before, the boat ramp at the Inlet is on the Lynnhaven Bay side and there is very strong tide currents and a very narrow underpass.

There is a Chesapeake Bay launching ramp at the First Landing State Park. Just a couple minutes from Lynnhaven Inlet. http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/1stland.htm

Also a regatta there May 23 & 24.

Kris
Nacra 6.0NA

Matt,

When you get to Tidewater, give me a call (757-589-6920). I have a few boats on the beach right now and plan on going out on weekends and maybe after work.

There is a beach access off Shore Drive in Va Beach on Albemarle St. There is a walkway for pedestrians and a path for your truck that has to be 15-20 feet wide and packed sand. You can almost back the boat into the water! If you bring tie downs, you can leave the boat on the beach and not worry about it getting messed with.

Also, there is a ramp willoughby spit right after you get over the bridge into Norfolk. There is a big parking lot, two launches and a small sandy beach. The water back in there is protected and flat and the wind is usually pretty good in that area. You just have to watch out for the hover crafts and mine sweepers..

If you are going to be here for the weekend of May 22/23, you shuold check out the fleet sponsored race!

Dan,

Thanks for the info. I think I know where you are talking about at Willoughby Spit. A friend of mine used to live in an old dry docked boat at a marina right off I-64. I seem to remember some sort of sailing tugboat. Anywho, this area sounds perfect - protected and close to where I will be staying.

RE: Regatta - I will probably be in the weekend before. Rats. If you are looking for crew sometime over the weekend of 14th thru 17th I'd love to join you. I don't have a huge amount of experience though.

Matt and Dan,
Willoughby Spit is closed! Since a very long time already.
We should all meet on Lynnhaven Area, Albemarle!
My boát will be there from this weekend onwards.

Fritz

Hey guys, I picked up on your thread cause I'm extremely interested in buying a Cat. I live on Chick's beach and grew up sailing a 40ft Hunter. I don't know much about Cat's and need some direction.
I'm looking to buy something that I can handle on my own but big enough to have crew and be competitive. I'd love to pick your brains in a few weekends at the Regatta and I'm always game for being crew.

Thanks for your help.
Doug

Doug,

Great to hear there's more interest around here! Try to find me at the regatta--Fritz and I are running it, so we should stick out. Also, You're welcome to come by and use my boats. I have several 14s on the beach and I'm working on a SC19 to take a bunch of people on. We also have a Rookie Race and tuning clinic scheduled soon, so you can get on a boat and see how you like it.

OUr next fleet meeting is the first Wednesday in June at the Lynnhaven Pub near shore drive and Great Neck.

You should stick out?
What he means is, just look for the two goofs running around looking confused.

heheheee

Tracie

Dan and Fritz,

Alright, I am still coming down this weekend (God willing). I plan on hitting the area by early afternoon on Friday (5/14) and will be around until the following Monday. You guys going to be around?

Dan: What body of water do you speak off Shore Drive? Thats sounds great. I would love to drop off the boat and not have to deal with the trailer for a few days.

Matt,

I have been trying to answer your private message about Kerr Lake and don't seem to be getting through. It registers 0 private messages sent. Let me know if you did get them or if not e-mail me at tofthr@aol.com

Howard

Ancient Thread Revisited:

I am making another trip to Norfolk this weekend. Last summer when I was down, I went to the Albemarle location under the excellent advice of Dan, Fritz, and others. Man, that place was exactly what I was looking for and I had a blast there!

I do remember the access getting a little iffy the second time I went though. Can anyone give me an update of what the situation is there now? Is the gate locked? Can I still drive my truck down to the beach? Anyone planning on being out there this weekend (6/10-12)?

Matt,

I meant to email you, but forgot..

The Albemarle St. access is even better than before! The city widened it and added a 'Floating' walk-over. The gate has a lock on it, but isn't really locked, you can just pull the chain off the gate.

I may be going out of town this weekend to Duck, NC for a race, but if I don't, I'll try to sail on Saturday. You can still give me a ring at 757-589-6920 if you want company. we usually get about 4 boats together any time we go out.

Sweet! That's good news. So, no more lifting my boat over the gate, eh? Will I be able to drive down to the dune? I still don't have any beach wheels yet so I am going to have to do some dragging/carrying.

My game plan is to leave here Friday morning and hopefully get to the beach by mid afternoon and sail a bit. I intend to sail Saturday and at least some Sunday. Definitely would appreciate company. Give me a ring if you don't head to NC (check my email for the #).